Stars Cant Shine Without Darkness {Any; Vaughan}

[Vessel]

learn to read between the lines, yeah?

I tell myself. my lungs still shutter and the tears still fall but they are silent now. No longer do I sob. No longer can I stand here, pretending I am ok, but I know crying will not make the changes I need. I know deep down Vaughan means well, I know he is good, and loving, and strong. I know I will always need him, but I need to be able to stand on my own. I need to find me, the form of myself that isn't in Vaughan's bold, loving, stubborn shadow. I look out beyond, beyond the two older horses and the shrubbery around our group. I look beyond. the outline of trees, hills, and clefts that jaunt across the sky. Maybe I am just too emotional right now, but the feeling that settled over me was calming and anchored. If I was wrong I would correct it later, or something.

Since I now had myself together, I focus back on the others, not 100% sure what had been said. The palomino still looked at her with concern but was talking to Vaughan about his ear. If I were honest I liked his floppy ear, a good reminder that his boldness doesn't make him invincible. Had the mare said her name? I try to recall the conversation in the background while I pondered, and yes she had. A....Artha? No, Ashra...Ashara. Yes. I snap an "I still hate you look to Vaughan" and a nod to the mare, "Thank you Ashara, for understanding, and for the offer. I think Vaughan needs the reminder... He isn't invincible and he won't always have magic to help him." I don't sound cold, I don't' think. I am blunt, but it came from a place of caring, of not wanting him hurt.

Another one approached, I am not sure how much she had heard, but it was obvious she was royalty- if not for her stature, but for the crown upon her head and that she had heard all of their outburst. I can't help but feel embarrassed again and my resolve weakens. The tears threatened to quicken as a sob escaped through a shaky breath. Ygritte focusses on me and tells me to stop crying, and I half smile trying not to. I don't want to be so weak, and I know soon I will have to find my own strength. When she turns to Vaughan I am slightly annoyed, no disappointed she doesn't chastise him, but the trickling tears down my face would hopefully be enough of a punishment. Not that I want him to be in major trouble, or to feel completely awful, I just want him to trust me. I guess I will have to give him reason to. When the mare had finished I dip my head, "It is a pleasure to meet you Ygritte. Your lands are beautiful. I think I'd really like it here."

vessel

nymphetamine x kimber